Advertisement

Who's the top celebrity fan for every B1G school?

By Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor -
7 months ago

Every college, it seems, has at least one well-known celebrity backer, whether it be on the gridiron, the hardwood, the diamond or the mat. But who are those figures in the Big Ten? I asked our Twitter followers that very question, and then came up with this list of the top celebrity fans for all 14 Big Ten schools.

Indiana: Mark Cuban

The owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks graduated from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business in 1981 with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is an avid Hoosier fan, and can be seen here in his IU football jersey, while waving the green flag to start the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Honorable Mention: John Mellencamp

bigstory.ap.org

***

Iowa: Ashton Kutcher

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kutcher attended Iowa and is a lifelong Hawkeyes fan. He can be seen here with Iowa legend Dan Gable and actress Mila Kunis at this past season’s Penn State-Iowa wrestling match at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Honorable Mention: Tom Arnold

***

Maryland: Scott Van Pelt

This proud Maryland alum was born in Brookeville, Maryland and grew up in the Washington, D.C., area. Van Pelt is a SportsCenter anchor on ESPN, serves as the co-host of SVP & Russillo on ESPN Radio, and also hosts various golf events for the network.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Plank

collegemagazine.com

***

Michigan: Kate Upton

One of the most well-known models in the world, Upton was born in St. Joseph, Michigan. She has been seen at several Michigan sporting events, including the 2013 National Championship Game, in which her Twitter interaction with Wolverine point guard Spike Albrecht became a national story.

Honorable Mention: Russell Crowe

nydailynews.com

***

Michigan State: Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Magic is no sidewalk alum. He led the Spartans to that magical 1979 National Championship, has a statue in his honor in front of the Breslin Center, and is known as the face of Michigan State basketball. He’s not only a fan, he is Michigan State athletics.

Honorable Mention: Kid Rock

***

Minnesota: Tony Dungy

One of the school’s most prestigious alumni, Dungy attended the University of Minnesota from 1973-1977, while staring on the Gophers’ football team. In addition to playing at Minnesota, Dungy also served as an assistant coach for the Gophers following his playing career and remains one of the top supporters of the football program.

Honorable Mention: Yanni

senate.mn

***

Nebraska: Larry the Cable Guy

Daniel Lawrence “Larry” Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy, was born and raised on a pig farm in Pawnee City, Nebraska. The stand-up comedian is well known across Husker country as being one of the top Nebraska football supporters around, regardless of his celebrity status. This photo is certainly evidence of that.

Honorable Mention: Warren Buffett

Associated Press

***

Northwestern: Seth Meyers

Not only is Seth Meyers a die-hard Northwestern fan, but he was also born in the school’s backyard, right in Evanston, Illinois. Meyers is the former head writer for NBC’s Saturday Night Live and currently hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers, which premiered earlier this year. He is one of many well-known TV personalities who strongly support Northwestern football.

Honorable Mention: Stephen Colbert

northwestern.edu

***

Ohio State: LeBron James

Arguably the most famous athlete in the world, LeBron James has made it clear that he would have attended Ohio State had he not gone directly from high school to the NBA. James has been on the OSU sideline, he has spoken to the team, and he even has his own locker at Ohio State’s Value City Arena.

Honorable Mention: Vince Vaughn

ABC

***

Penn State: Ryan Seacrest

One of the top television personalities around, Ryan Seacrest is a big Penn State fan. He has been spotted at Penn State sporting events, including this 2009 game against Ohio State in State College.

Honorable Mention: Lisa Salters

abc7chicago.com

***

Purdue: Drew Brees

It’s been nearly 14 years since Brees threw his last touchdown pass in a Purdue uniform, but he always tries to find time to show his college colors. Despite enjoying a standout NFL career, Brees makes it a point to show his constant support, as he did by attending the 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl.

Honorable mention: Jim Gaffigan

***

Rutgers: Mario Batali

This well-known American chef and media personality is all Rutgers University, through and through. An alum of the school, Batali is one of the school’s top supporters, often sporting the school’s colors.

Honorable Mention: Natalie Morales

nj1015.com

***

Wisconsin: Andy North

North, a two-time U.S. Open champion, is known as one of the top supporters of Wisconsin athletics. Born in Thorp, Wisconsin, and raised in Monona, Wisconsin, North makes it a point to cheer on the Badgers on a regular basis, no matter where they may be playing.

Honorable Mention: Steve Stricker

uwbadgers.com

Share this page!

Originally from Farmington Hills, MI, I have worked at the Big Ten Network since 2012 and took over my role as web editor and blogger in August, 2013. Follow me on twitter for constant Big Ten updates @srmerriman. Thanks and enjoy!!

Big Ten Player Rankings: Frank Kaminsky isn’t moving from top spot

See the 2014-15 All-Big Ten Women’s Basketball Teams & Honors

69 Comments

Mario Batali is not an alumni of Rutgers. He is an alumnus. Alumni is always plural.

Dennis on 7/25/2014 @ 9:42am EST Said:

Come on man, Tom Arnold is a way bigger Hawk fan than Kutcher, even though he may not be as famous.

msumatt1990 on 7/25/2014 @ 9:46am EST Said:

I’d choose James Caan over Kid Rock – at least Jimmy went to MSU. He played for Duffy. Also gave a memorable peptalk via College Gameday and has been the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall

Nicholas Pietryga on 7/25/2014 @ 9:51am EST Said:

You know that Russell Crowe is a huge Michigan fan, and a lot bigger celebrity than Kate Upton.

Shawn on 7/25/2014 @ 9:51am EST Said:

Stricker went to Illinois…what about Madonna at Michigan?

Sara on 7/25/2014 @ 9:53am EST Said:

I live in Champaign and the tv stations are always keeping up with Steve Stricker, he is from Wisconsin but he went to Illinois for golf. I don’t follow golf so I may be missing why he is listed under Wisconsin.

Ashley on 7/25/2014 @ 9:54am EST Said:

Kutcher didn’t graduate from Iowa….

Plop on 7/25/2014 @ 9:59am EST Said:

Isn’t it sort of cheating to count former athletes at the school as the top celebrity fan?

Also, it says a lot about us, as a people, that BTN, when given the choice between Larry the Cable Guy and Warren Buffett as the top celebrity Nebraska fan, chose Larry the Cable Guy.

Kyle on 7/25/2014 @ 10:30am EST Said:

This is about ‘celebrity fans’, not ‘most famous alumni.’ It doesn’t matter that Kutcher didn’t graduate Iowa or Stricker did graduate from Illinois – they both root for the team they’re listed under.

chris on 7/25/2014 @ 10:32am EST Said:

I know he is dead but wouldn’t Neil Armstrong have been a better pick for Purdue fan? Or maybe Hermain Cain or even Jim Gaffigan? Also thanks for remembering to give us an honorable mention.

Heidi on 7/25/2014 @ 10:33am EST Said:

Why is Aaron Rodgers not mentioned as a fan of Wisconsin?

Ginger on 7/25/2014 @ 10:37am EST Said:

We have to have someone better than Lebron…the only worse option would’ve been Kirk Herbstreit.

ATL on 7/25/2014 @ 10:39am EST Said:

The Wisconsin Honorable Mention is just trolling Illini fans.

Ransom Stoddard on 7/25/2014 @ 10:40am EST Said:

It can’t be a good statement on your school when a celebutard like Ryan Secrest is your most visible supporter

Bill Blake on 7/25/2014 @ 10:42am EST Said:

purdue’s celebrity is actually somebody who played there, and there’s no honorable mention. boiler up insignificant!

Sean on 7/25/2014 @ 10:52am EST Said:

Gandolfini is in the picture with Mario Batalli! He was a way more famous alum

theotherbigone on 7/25/2014 @ 10:57am EST Said:

Totally disagree that Tom Arnold is a bigger fan. Ashton attends a variety of Hawkeye sporting events quite frequently. And he is there to watch the activity, not use it as a photo op.

theotherbigone on 7/25/2014 @ 11:00am EST Said:

It is very doubtful that Arnold graduated from any university, much less Iowa – he went to school with my husband and he did not think he really “graduated” from high school.

porcupinefisheats on 7/25/2014 @ 11:06am EST Said:

How did PSU end up with Georgia native and UGA alumnus Ryan Seacrest?

I’d have to place Hillary Clinton at the top of the list, as she grew up in Scranton, and both her father and brother played football at PSU,

Steve on 7/25/2014 @ 11:07am EST Said:

Melencamp is a much bigger fan than Cuban, he is at many basketball games, and still lives in the area. This article is inane.

Barbara Kellar on 7/25/2014 @ 11:27am EST Said:

Love the choice of Lebron for top Buckeye fan. However Cris Carter got robbed of the 2nd slot.

Tundra gopher on 7/25/2014 @ 11:27am EST Said:

Article has to be a troll. Yanni? Good grief. Ever hear of monitor, Winfield, and other famous sport celebs? Yanni?

Steve on 7/25/2014 @ 11:36am EST Said:

Um, Michigan, you win.

MSU Mike in SC on 7/25/2014 @ 11:38am EST Said:

I’m sure Gerard Butler is a big MSU fan especially visiting the school post 300 to “inspire the troops!”

Chuck on 7/25/2014 @ 11:44am EST Said:

* Hillary Clinton was not raised in Pennsylvania. She was born in Chicago and graduated high school at Maine East High School in Park Ridge IL, the same high school as Harrison Ford. There is no way she grew up in Pennsylvania.

* Steve Stricker is from Wisconsin but went to the University of Illinois on a golf scholarship. His wife went to Wisconsin. He roots for Illinois but he roots for Wisconsin as well. I wouldn’t call him the second biggest celebrity fan of Wisconsin because he still roots for Illinois first.

B Miller on 7/25/2014 @ 12:00pm EST Said:

Mario Batali’s daughter will be a student at Michigan starting in the fall.

Saltyseadog on 7/25/2014 @ 12:16pm EST Said:

Several of these “celebrities” would be anonymous in a lineup of educated sports fans or average “joes”. Oh..look…it’s Andy North…not so much.

r sukovaty on 7/25/2014 @ 12:34pm EST Said:

i think of course larry the cable guy, but also supreme court justice clarence thomas is a huge nebraska football fan!!!!

D. Senesac on 7/25/2014 @ 12:46pm EST Said:

Kate Upton, REALLY???!!! Not even close, there are so many more famous and outstanding celebrity fans other than a washed up model has-been. This article borders on insane inaccuracies…GET A CLUE!!!

veryphil on 7/25/2014 @ 12:52pm EST Said:

Tom Brokaw is a Hawkeye fan and U of Iowa alumnus. He’s not as visible publicly these days. I’m only making the suggestion because both of the mentioned celebutards are embarrassing.

veryphil on 7/25/2014 @ 12:53pm EST Said:

Also, SVP did not graduate from Maryland and is therefore not an alum.

porcupinefisheats on 7/25/2014 @ 12:54pm EST Said:

Ok, you got me. Hillary Clinton was raised in IL, BUT both her brother and father (both Hugh) played football at Penn State…….and the Rodham family is from Scranton.

Heidi wrote, “Why is Aaron Rodgers not mentioned as a fan of Wisconsin?”

You do know Rodgers is a Cal guy right. What makes you think he is a huge Badgers fan? Based on one visit to the locker room after a tournament win against Baylor? Please! Get out of your drunken stupor and get a grip on reality. I know that’s asking a bit much from any Wisky fan, but one can hope.

J Trott on 7/25/2014 @ 1:49pm EST Said:

I would have gone for jack Nicklaus for Ohio State.his golf museum is right on campus

Elise on 7/25/2014 @ 1:53pm EST Said:

Steve Stricker was born in Wisconsin but played golf for The University of Illinois. My guess is he is an Illini fan!!!!!

artweb on 7/25/2014 @ 2:06pm EST Said:

This is a fun list and always controversial, but Kevin Plank should have been Number One for Maryland. Kevin played fullback on the Maryland football team. He developed the material that now totally dominates the sport’s world. He is CEO of Under Armour and the Number One financial supporter of the athletic department at Maryland.

OhioStateisdumb on 7/25/2014 @ 2:09pm EST Said:

derek jeter is a bigger michigan fan than anybody you listed

Christel on 7/25/2014 @ 2:17pm EST Said:

Ginger said exactly what I was thinking!

Al on 7/25/2014 @ 2:19pm EST Said:

I agree that former athletes shouldn’t count. Kind of lame.

Leon on 7/25/2014 @ 2:48pm EST Said:

Mario Batali for Rutgers?? The pic BTN is using is of Batali with our most famous alumnus, the boss of North Jersey, Tony Soprano aka Mr. Gandolfini. He was a season ticket holder for football games and even did the coin toss for our bowl game in 2005.

Rick on 7/25/2014 @ 3:02pm EST Said:

Pains me to say it, but
on two occasions that I’ve gone to Madison to watch my beloved Illini play basketball, Stricker was in attendance wearing a Wisconsin cap. They can have him.

Kc McKinney on 7/25/2014 @ 3:07pm EST Said:

Cory Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour fame is a Hawkeye fan and hes better than those two…

Bedrock120 on 7/25/2014 @ 3:53pm EST Said:

We love Larry the Cable Guy, very funny and a big supporter, but bigger than Warren Buffett? Debatable if Larry is bigger than Andy Roddick.

mikeefren@yahoo.com on 7/25/2014 @ 4:13pm EST Said:

Seriously? You’re going to complain about Kate Upton being a fan of your team? Go back and take another look. All we got was Ryan Seacrest. Wanna trade??

Cosmk Dbree on 7/25/2014 @ 4:14pm EST Said:

I think the Honorable Mention list is more impressive.

spartyon on 7/25/2014 @ 4:26pm EST Said:

Magic Johnson is a no-doubt – but the gentleman with the glasses to his left-front is Peter Secchia – From 1989 to 1993 Secchia served as the US Ambassador to Italy. While he isn’t nationally well known, he’s most likely a worthy debate to Kid Rock (or Gerard Butler)!

Stacey Howland Liston on 7/25/2014 @ 4:35pm EST Said:

Tony Stewart is a HUGE Hoosier fan. So what NASCAR drivers are not considered “athletes” or celebrities in your book?

Andy North (Fla) and Steve Stricker (Ill). North is a huge Bucky fan and Steve is the favorite golfer from Wisconsin. He did marry the Badgers old golf coach! Butch Vig graduated from Wisconsin and loves Bucky!

jeff on 7/25/2014 @ 8:22pm EST Said:

Hugh Hefner also graduated from Illinois, but I don’t know how big of a “fan” he is

Phil Zamra on 7/25/2014 @ 11:36pm EST Said:

Magic is definitely the MSU ambassador but Kirk Gibson, Mateen Cleaves or Steve Smith should be the Honorable Mention.

gunnyze7 on 7/25/2014 @ 11:38pm EST Said:

Magic is definitely the MSU ambassador but Honorable Mention should go to Kirk Gibson, Mateen Cleaves or Steve Smith